Ignore That Report About Apple Blocking the Google Maps App

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Ignore That Report About Apple Blocking the Google Maps App

A report from The Guardian suggests that sources at Google are "not optimistic" that Apple will approve a dedicated Google Maps app for iOS.

The app is widely reported to be in development and could be ready by the end of the calendar year.

According to the report, "industry politics," "Apple's need to save face as much as possible," and its need to "keep moving forward in an effort to make its obviously inferior product better" are reasons the app could be barred from being admitted to the App Store. "Google could very well have a tough time getting their app approved due to the competitive situation between the companies, but there is a bit of uncertainty now that Apple's senior management has been upended," Gartner analyst Brian Blau told Wired.

However, based on Apple's past relationship with Google-made apps in the App Store, the concerns expressed in the report seem grossly exaggerated. In recent months, Apple accepted updates to Google's Search app and admitted its iOS-native YouTube app. The Search app includes an almost Siri-like voice search feature, and the YouTube app was previously built into iOS but was removed in iOS 6.

Apple famously ousted the Google Voice app from the App Store in 2009 for "duplicating" features provided by the iPhone (and violating a secret agreement with AT&T to ban apps that would let iPhone users make phone calls over its 3G data connection instead of over AT&T's network). This prompted an FCC investigation and the return of the app to the App Store in November 2010.

With dozens of transit and mapping alternatives in the App Store, the duplication reasoning would be a flimsy excuse to block Google's app, as well. Apple has an extensive set of guidelines for developers to create App Store-appropriate apps, and as long as these are followed, apps are typically admitted without undue difficulty.

Apple introduced its very own iOS Maps application in iOS 6, which debuted in September. The built-in app, which took the place of the previous Maps app developed by Google, was riddled with so many bugs and inaccuracies that CEO Tim Cook issued an apology for the service. Speculation about iOS chief Scott Forstall's recent departure from Apple has pointed toward the poor performance of Apple's Maps, as well as Forstall's reported decision not to sign the apology letter.

But is that a reason to keep out Google's Maps app? No, especially when Cook even suggested iOS users use the Google Maps web app as an alternative to Apple's Maps just in September.